Dubu Jorim (Korean Spicy Braised Tofu)

Dubu Jorim is a popular Korean side dish made with tofu simmered in a flavour-packed sauce of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and Korean red pepper flakes. The tofu soaks up all that deliciousness while becoming beautifully coated in a glossy, spicy sauce. What more could dubu want?

My version keeps things ridiculously simple. We’re pan-frying extra-firm tofu until golden, whipping up a quick sauce, and letting everything simmer together until the tofu is coated in spicy, savoury goodness. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients, and definitely no boring tofu.

Serve it over a big bowl of steamed rice, grab your chopsticks, and prepare to fall in love. This is one you dubu not want to skip!

Watch how to make Dubu Jorim over on my YouTube channel! And don’t forget to subscribe while you’re at it  😉

Inspiration & Ingredients

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this Korean-inspired spicy braised tofu. The combination of savoury soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, nutty sesame oil, garlic, and gochugaru creates a sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and seriously addictive.

• Extra-firm tofu: The star of the show! Extra-firm tofu holds its shape beautifully while pan-frying and braising.
• Soy sauce or tamari: Adds that essential salty, savoury umami flavour. Use tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Gochugaru: Korean red pepper flakes that give Dubu Jorim its signature spicy kick. They have a slightly smoky, fruity flavour that’s different from standard chili flakes.
• Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and tanginess to balance the salty and sweet flavours.
• Mirin: An optional addition that brings a little sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, simply leave it out.
• Toasted sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavour that makes this sauce extra delicious.
• Garlic: Because is it even dinner without garlic?
• Agave or sugar: A little sweetness balances the heat and acidity. Adjust it to your liking.
• Green onions: We’ll sauté the white parts with garlic for extra flavour and save the green parts for a fresh garnish.
• Sesame seeds: For a little nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Why You’ll Love Dubu Jorim

Ready in about 20 minutes

A quick and easy tofu recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Big flavour, minimal effort

A handful of simple ingredients creates a seriously delicious spicy sauce.

Budget-friendly

Tofu is an inexpensive source of plant-based protein, making this an affordable meal.

Meal-prep friendly

Make a batch ahead of time and serve it with rice and your favourite vegetables throughout the week.

How to Make Dubu Jorim

Instructions

1. Drain your tofu and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Slice it into approximately ¼ to ½-inch thick pieces. You don’t need to press the tofu for this recipe, but removing excess moisture will help it develop a beautiful golden crust when pan-fried.
2. Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer and pan-fry until deeply golden on both sides, approximately 3–4 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the tofu to a plate and set aside.
3. While the tofu is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, water, mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochugaru, sesame seeds, minced garlic, and agave in a small bowl. Stir in the dark green parts of the green onion, reserving some for garnish.
4. Using the same skillet, add the white parts of your sliced green onions and sauté briefly until fragrant and lightly golden. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for a couple of minutes until it begins to reduce and thicken slightly.
5. Add the pan-fried tofu back into the skillet, gently turning the pieces to coat them in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the tofu to soak up all those delicious flavours.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, sweetness, or gochugaru as desired.
7. Remove from the heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced scallions and additional toasted sesame seeds.
8. Serve immediately over steamed rice, spooning any leftover sauce over the top. A little extra drizzle of toasted sesame oil is never a bad idea.

tips for the Best Spicy Braised Tofu

1. Get that tofu golden! Don’t rush the pan-frying step. A deeply golden exterior gives the tofu more flavour and texture, and helps it hold together during braising.
2. Don’t skip the sauce simmer. Giving the sauce a couple of minutes to reduce before adding the tofu helps concentrate all those delicious flavours.
3. Use gochugaru, not regular chili flakes. Gochugaru has a distinctive flavour and colour that’s essential to the character of this dish. Regular red pepper flakes can be substituted in a pinch, but the flavour and heat will differ.
4. Adjust the spice level. Start with 1 tablespoon of gochugaru for a milder sauce, or add more if you like things seriously spicy.
5. Don’t over-braise! Tofu doesn’t need a long cooking time. A few minutes in the sauce is all it takes to soak up the flavour without falling apart.
6. Taste before adding salt. Soy sauce is already quite salty, so you may not need any additional salt.

FAQ

Is Dubu Jorim spicy?

Yes! Traditional Dubu Jorim gets its heat from gochugaru, Korean red pepper flakes. My version uses 1 tablespoon for a noticeable but manageable kick, with 2 tablespoons for a spicier sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Do I need to press the tofu?

Nope! Since we’re pan-frying the tofu, simply draining it and patting it dry is enough. Removing excess surface moisture helps it brown more easily.

What is gochugaru?

Gochugaru is a Korean red pepper powder or flake made from dried chili peppers. It has a vibrant red colour, mild smoky flavour, and fruity heat. It’s commonly used in Korean cooking, including kimchi and spicy sauces.

Can I use a different type of tofu?

Extra-firm tofu is best because it holds its shape during pan-frying and braising. Firm tofu can also work, but I wouldn’t recommend silken or soft tofu for this recipe.

Dubu You Want Some?

If you’ve been sleeping on tofu, consider this your wake-up call. This spicy Korean braised tofu is proof that a humble block of soybeans can turn into something seriously sexy. It’s saucy, spicy, savoury, and ready in less time than it takes to decide what to order for dinner.

So grab your tofu, crank up the heat, and get braising. And remember, this is one recipe you dubu not want to miss!

Love this tofu recipe? Check out some of my other popular tofu recipes like Tofu Turkey, Tofu Shawarma, or Tandoori Tofu I’d really appreciate if you gave me a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below!

PS: Make sure to check me out on YouTube — I have HUNDREDS of recipe videos to give you limitless plant-based inspiration!